Braves lose O’Flaherty to torn elbow ligament

Altanta Braves general manager Frank Wren said Saturday former Mariners left-hander Eric O’Flaherty has a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow and may be facing possible season-ending surgery.

The loss of O’Flaherty, a Walla Walla native, leaves Luis Avilan as the only left-hander in the Atlanta bullpen. Anthony Vavaro and Cory Gearrin may assume bigger roles.

“We’ll wait and see exactly how long Eric is going to be out, but it’s not going to be a week or two, we know that,” Wren said.

Wren said an MRI test on Saturday revealed the tear and O’Flaherty will see Dr. James Andrews for a consultation.

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O’Flaherty was placed on the 15-day disabled list earlier Saturday with what was called a left elbow strain.

Right-hander Cory Rasmus was called up from Triple-A Gwinnett.

YANKS GET SOME BACKUP

The New York Yankees acquired infielder Reid Brignac from the Colorado Rockies for cash, adding a left-handed bat to the group of backups filling in for the team’s injured stars.

“He played shortstop, second, third,” general manager Brian Casahman said. “A flyball hitter, so we’re going to see if we can take advantage of the left-handed bat at Yankee Stadium. He’s a very good fielder, more so than a bat.Gives us a little bit better of a platoon situation because all the left side of infield bats are right handed. Simple as that.”

New York designated shortstop Alberto Gonzalez for assignment on Saturday to make room for Brignac on the 40-man roster.

EXTRA BASES

The Cardinals placed left-hander Jaime Garcia on the 15-day disabled list with a left shoulder strain. … Matt Garza is set to come off the disabled list and make his first start of the season for the Cubs on Tuesday against Pittsburgh. … The Orioles purchased the contract of right-hander Jair Jurrjens from Norfolk and optioned reliever Alex Burnett to their Triple-A affiliate. The team also moved second baseman Brian Roberts from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list. … Joe Mauer returned to the Twins lineup after missing one game because of a stiff back. Also, right-hander Cole De Vries was optioned to Triple-A Rochester. … The Athletics activated outfielder Chris Young, who had been out with a strained left quad, from the the disabled list. Also, first baseman Daric Barton was designated for assignment. … The Reds optioned left-hander Tony Cingrani to Triple-A Louisville and recalled infielder Neftali Soto. … The Padres activated outfielder Carlos Quentin from paternity leave and optioned right-hander Brad Brach to Triple-A Tucson. … The Giants recalled right-handed pitcher Jean Machi from Fresno and optioned infielder-outfielder Brett Pill to the Triple-A club Friday.